The Top 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Series of This Year
What could you accomplish with boundless control? That's a fundamental inquiry explored by all best science fiction and fantastical narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a life-altering substance? What about every other person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or would you give in to your own darker instincts?
The series ranked below all explore this dilemma in various manners (with a single key exclusion). Outlined here is a ranking of the 10 most outstanding seasons of science fiction and fantasy television from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing look at the hero's early years, skillfully blending classic source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously new and profoundly engaging.
Rather than being alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.
Although it may lack a single viral hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story advances the main storyline forward while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had enormous expectations. After well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.
The premiere is explosive, capturing the gritty tone fans loved from the prior series. Although the subsequent episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
An unexpected this year's highlight, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.
Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This acclaimed adaptation based on the popular gaming series came back with a second season of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of control and autonomy.
The show expertly juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every fronts: training for a coming alien invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story once again includes some of the most intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.
The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it effectively lays foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {